Iliac vessels

Iliac vessels refer to the major blood vessels in the pelvis that supply blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and legs. They include the common iliac artery, internal iliac artery, external iliac artery, common iliac vein, internal iliac vein, and external iliac vein.

Anatomy

The iliac vessels originate from the aorta and inferior vena cava, which are the main blood vessels in the body. The aorta splits into the left and right common iliac arteries at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra, while the inferior vena cava is formed by the union of the left and right common iliac veins at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra.

Arteries

The common iliac artery is the initial segment of the main artery of the pelvis. It divides into the internal and external iliac arteries. The internal iliac artery supplies blood to the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and perineum. The external iliac artery continues as the femoral artery, which supplies blood to the lower limb.

Veins

The common iliac vein is formed by the union of the internal and external iliac veins. The internal iliac vein drains blood from the pelvic organs, gluteal region, and perineum. The external iliac vein continues as the femoral vein, which drains blood from the lower limb.

Clinical significance

Diseases of the iliac vessels can lead to serious health problems. For example, atherosclerosis of the iliac arteries can cause claudication, which is pain in the legs during exercise. Deep vein thrombosis can occur in the iliac veins, which can lead to pulmonary embolism if a blood clot travels to the lungs.

See also

• Aorta
• Inferior vena cava
• Pelvis
• Femoral artery
• Femoral vein